Dave Meyers/Republic RecordsAll the artwork for Ariana Grande's current album Sweetener was upside down, from the text to the images. So it's no surprise that she carried that theme over to her Christmas decorations.

In an image from her Instagram Story captured by TMZ, Ariana shared a photo of a decorated Christmas tree affixed to the ceiling, hanging down with the top about two feet off the floor.

When a TMZ cameraman caught Ariana emerging from her apartment and, the site alleges, heading to the NBC studios, he asked her, "Can you explain how you get a Christmas tree on the ceiling?"

She smiled and responded, "No, I can't. Sometimes life just be upside-down."

Dave Meyers/Republic RecordsAll the artwork for Ariana Grande's current album Sweetener was upside down, from the text to the images. So it's no surprise that she carried that theme over to her Christmas decorations.

In an image from her Instagram Story captured by TMZ, Ariana shared a photo of a decorated Christmas tree affixed to the ceiling, hanging down with the top about two feet off the floor.

When a TMZ cameraman caught Ariana emerging from her apartment and, the site alleges, heading to the NBC studios, he asked her, "Can you explain how you get a Christmas tree on the ceiling?"

She smiled and responded, "No, I can't. Sometimes life just be upside-down."

]]>OneRepublic is lighting up New York City for the holidays with "White Christmas"http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/649714eb022ad8273a3c1e86c6739a22
Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:10:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/649714eb022ad8273a3c1e86c6739a22

Stewart GerardIf you're going to spend the holidays in New York City, OneRepublic will help soundtrack your celebration.

Each year, New York's most iconic structure, the Empire State Building, is illuminated with a light show set to a particular piece of music. This year, the music is a newly released version of "White Christmas" recorded by Ryan Tedder and the guys.

From Wednesday, December 19 through December 25, people in the Big Apple can look up at the Empire State Building each night at 8:30 p.m. and watch the light show, and tune into local radio stations to hear "White Christmas" synced live to the display.

If you can't make it to New York, you can watch the display on the Empire State Building's Facebook page live. The light show will also be posted on the building's YouTube channel following the event so everyone can enjoy it.

Stewart GerardIf you're going to spend the holidays in New York City, OneRepublic will help soundtrack your celebration.

Each year, New York's most iconic structure, the Empire State Building, is illuminated with a light show set to a particular piece of music. This year, the music is a newly released version of "White Christmas" recorded by Ryan Tedder and the guys.

From Wednesday, December 19 through December 25, people in the Big Apple can look up at the Empire State Building each night at 8:30 p.m. and watch the light show, and tune into local radio stations to hear "White Christmas" synced live to the display.

If you can't make it to New York, you can watch the display on the Empire State Building's Facebook page live. The light show will also be posted on the building's YouTube channel following the event so everyone can enjoy it.

Jeremy CowartIf you want to have an impressive Christmas caroling session, it helps to have a ringer, right? That's why Entertainment Weekly surveyed fans concerning which famous music artist they'd want along with them when they go door to door this holiday season.

Not surprisingly, Kelly Clarkson came out on top as the answer to that question in this month's EW's Pop Culture Index survey. Not only is she a Grammy-winning powerhouse vocalist, but her song "Underneath the Tree" is a modern Christmas favorite: It's currently ranked #20 on Billboard's Holiday Songs chart.

Coming in at #2 on EW's Celebrity Sing-a-long survey is Lady Gaga, a star who's also a powerful vocalist, knows the standards backward and forward, and would probably wear an awesome caroling ensemble to boot.

The Beatles came in at #3 on the list, followed by the late rock icon David Bowie, whose duet with Bing Crosby, "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" is a holiday staple.

Jeremy CowartIf you want to have an impressive Christmas caroling session, it helps to have a ringer, right? That's why Entertainment Weekly surveyed fans concerning which famous music artist they'd want along with them when they go door to door this holiday season.

Not surprisingly, Kelly Clarkson came out on top as the answer to that question in this month's EW's Pop Culture Index survey. Not only is she a Grammy-winning powerhouse vocalist, but her song "Underneath the Tree" is a modern Christmas favorite: It's currently ranked #20 on Billboard's Holiday Songs chart.

Coming in at #2 on EW's Celebrity Sing-a-long survey is Lady Gaga, a star who's also a powerful vocalist, knows the standards backward and forward, and would probably wear an awesome caroling ensemble to boot.

The Beatles came in at #3 on the list, followed by the late rock icon David Bowie, whose duet with Bing Crosby, "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" is a holiday staple.

]]>Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus added to MusiCares Dolly Parton tribute concerthttp://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/dd3103ffeb16f5c4bb834604481d75c8
Tue, 18 Dec 2018 11:00:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/dd3103ffeb16f5c4bb834604481d75c8ABC/Craig SjodinKaty Perry is a huge Dolly Parton fan, so it's no surprise that the star has been added to the line up of artists who'll be saluting the country music legend this February.

As previously reported, Dolly is being honored as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year for her artistic contributions and her philanthropy. Katy will be one of the artists who'll pay tribute to her by performing some of her best-known songs at a February 8 gala in L.A.

As her fans know, Katy has spent many happy hours at Dolly's Tennessee theme park, Dollywood. In 2016, when they sang together on the Academy of Country Music Awards, Katy called Dolly her "personal hero and a powerful woman."

Another addition to the bill is Miley Cyrus -- again, no surprise, since Dolly is her godmother. Superstar country couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have also joined the bill.

Proceeds from the event, which takes place two days before the Grammys, will go to support MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy. It provides support to those in the music industry in times of financial, medical and personal need.

]]>ABC/Craig SjodinKaty Perry is a huge Dolly Parton fan, so it's no surprise that the star has been added to the line up of artists who'll be saluting the country music legend this February.

As previously reported, Dolly is being honored as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year for her artistic contributions and her philanthropy. Katy will be one of the artists who'll pay tribute to her by performing some of her best-known songs at a February 8 gala in L.A.

As her fans know, Katy has spent many happy hours at Dolly's Tennessee theme park, Dollywood. In 2016, when they sang together on the Academy of Country Music Awards, Katy called Dolly her "personal hero and a powerful woman."

Another addition to the bill is Miley Cyrus -- again, no surprise, since Dolly is her godmother. Superstar country couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have also joined the bill.

Proceeds from the event, which takes place two days before the Grammys, will go to support MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy. It provides support to those in the music industry in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Vevo has revealed that the band was the most-viewed artist globally with 1.6 billion views worldwide on the platform. They also had Vevo's the most-watched music video with “Girls Like You,” featuring cameos by a slew of female celebrities including Gal Gadot, Camila Cabello, Millie Bobby Brown, Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Lopez. The video racked up 1.3 billion views worldwide as of the end of November, 250 million in the U.S. alone.

Also on the most-viewed in the U.S. list were videos for Drake’s “God’s Plan” and “Nice for What,” Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up,” Post Malone’s “Psycho” and Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry.”

Drake was the most-viewed artist in the U.S. with 460 million views, followed by Ella Mai, Migos and Maroon 5.

Vevo has revealed that the band was the most-viewed artist globally with 1.6 billion views worldwide on the platform. They also had Vevo's the most-watched music video with “Girls Like You,” featuring cameos by a slew of female celebrities including Gal Gadot, Camila Cabello, Millie Bobby Brown, Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Lopez. The video racked up 1.3 billion views worldwide as of the end of November, 250 million in the U.S. alone.

Also on the most-viewed in the U.S. list were videos for Drake’s “God’s Plan” and “Nice for What,” Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up,” Post Malone’s “Psycho” and Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry.”

Drake was the most-viewed artist in the U.S. with 460 million views, followed by Ella Mai, Migos and Maroon 5.

]]>'The Voice' recap: The final four put everything on the line as the finale beginshttp://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/b5123dc69ef5674fa45b2e40f3b6edf5
Tue, 18 Dec 2018 06:41:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/b5123dc69ef5674fa45b2e40f3b6edf5Kennedy Holmes performs on "The Voice"; Tyler Golden/NBCThe top four on The Voice took the stage Monday night for part one of the season 15 finals, with a record contract on the line.

Team Blake Shelton's Chris Kroeze and Kirk Jay, Team Jennifer Hudson’s Kennedy Holmes and Team Kelly Clarkson’s Chevel Shepherd all performed three times. Adam Levine has no artists left on his team. Each artist performed a cover song, a duet with his or her coach, and an original song.

Kroeze led off with a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” with his coach Blake Shelton explaining the selection as the kind of iconic song people have come to love from the artist. Following the performance, Adam and Kelly noted that Chris doesn’t get enough credit for being a “legit amazing guitar player.” Blake praised him for knowing what he wants to do and how to connect with the audience.

Team Kelly’s Chevel Shepherd showed off her bluesy side on Tanya Tucker’s “It’s a Little Too Late.” Addressing the camera during rehearsals, Kelly declared Shepherd “might be 4'10, but she’s coming for you country music.” Following Chevel’s live performance, Clarkson, called her “the best kind of artist to work with,” because she has fun “learning and challenging” herself.

Kirk Jay debuted an emotional new single, “Defenseless.” Blake was pleased with the song choice, noting it was a straight-forward, simple song with a great message. Jennifer said Kirk made her a country fan. Blake followed with “Welcome to the country music family, you’re the real deal.”

Kennedy Holmes, the youngest contestant in the competition at 14, followed with her original song, “Love Is Free.” Her coach, Jennifer Hudson, described it as an inspiring tune that Kennedy had to make sure she was “owning” it and “believed in” what she was saying. JHud hailed Kennedy as a performer who’s coming in to her own artistry and enjoying herself in the process.

Next, Kirk Jay joined his coach Blake Shelton for a cover of George Strait’s classic, “You Look So Good in Love.”

The next artist-coach duet featured Kennedy Holmes and Jennifer Hudson singing “Home,” by Stephanie Mills.

Team Blake’s Chris Kroeze followed with his original tune, “Human,” which Blake described as a song with a timely message -- we’re all human. He also felt it was a song that could show Chris’ diversity as an artist. Shelton hailed the live performance as “a moment” for Kroeze.

Chevel and Kelly, or “Chavelly,” as they referred to themselves, followed with a duet on The Judds’ “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain.”

Chris and Blake returned next with their duet, Delbert McClinton’s “Two More Bottles of Wine.”

Team Blake’s Kirk Jay came “full circle,” according to Shelton, tackling Rascal Flatts’ “I Won’t Let Go” for his final performance of the night. Addressing the camera during rehearsals, Shelton declared Kirk “has a real shot at a big career,” adding that he's, “somebody we can hear on country radio tomorrow.” Adam gave kudos to Kirk for tacking a tough song, and having a voice that “stands out.” Blake called the performance “Brilliant.”

Team Kelly’s 16-year-old country singer, Chevel Shepherd, returned for her last shot at earning America’s vote, performing an original tune called “Broken Hearts.” Kelly loved the choice -- a traditional country story song, with a contemporary feel. Adam praised Chevel’s understated approach to songs. Clarkson became emotional as she hailed Shepherd as a “magical being,” adding she loved what Chevel represented not just for girls, but all women.

Team Jennifer’s Kennedy Holmes closed out the show with her cover tune, bringing down the house with Demi Lovato’s “Confident,” Jennifer said it “represents everything it takes to get this far.” Hudson called the 14-year-old “a true professional” -- for her dance moves, as well as her voice -- declaring, “I thought Beyoncé was up there.

The winner will be crowned on Tuesday night's two-hour season finale, which begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Rascal Flatts, Panic! at the Disco, Dan Shay, Dierks Bentley, Halsey, John Legend, Esperanza Spalding, Kelly Rowland, The Doobie Brothers, Marshmello and Bastille, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson, and last season's winner of The Voice, Brynn Cartelli, will be the musical guests.

]]>Kennedy Holmes performs on "The Voice"; Tyler Golden/NBCThe top four on The Voice took the stage Monday night for part one of the season 15 finals, with a record contract on the line.

Team Blake Shelton's Chris Kroeze and Kirk Jay, Team Jennifer Hudson’s Kennedy Holmes and Team Kelly Clarkson’s Chevel Shepherd all performed three times. Adam Levine has no artists left on his team. Each artist performed a cover song, a duet with his or her coach, and an original song.

Kroeze led off with a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” with his coach Blake Shelton explaining the selection as the kind of iconic song people have come to love from the artist. Following the performance, Adam and Kelly noted that Chris doesn’t get enough credit for being a “legit amazing guitar player.” Blake praised him for knowing what he wants to do and how to connect with the audience.

Team Kelly’s Chevel Shepherd showed off her bluesy side on Tanya Tucker’s “It’s a Little Too Late.” Addressing the camera during rehearsals, Kelly declared Shepherd “might be 4'10, but she’s coming for you country music.” Following Chevel’s live performance, Clarkson, called her “the best kind of artist to work with,” because she has fun “learning and challenging” herself.

Kirk Jay debuted an emotional new single, “Defenseless.” Blake was pleased with the song choice, noting it was a straight-forward, simple song with a great message. Jennifer said Kirk made her a country fan. Blake followed with “Welcome to the country music family, you’re the real deal.”

Kennedy Holmes, the youngest contestant in the competition at 14, followed with her original song, “Love Is Free.” Her coach, Jennifer Hudson, described it as an inspiring tune that Kennedy had to make sure she was “owning” it and “believed in” what she was saying. JHud hailed Kennedy as a performer who’s coming in to her own artistry and enjoying herself in the process.

Next, Kirk Jay joined his coach Blake Shelton for a cover of George Strait’s classic, “You Look So Good in Love.”

The next artist-coach duet featured Kennedy Holmes and Jennifer Hudson singing “Home,” by Stephanie Mills.

Team Blake’s Chris Kroeze followed with his original tune, “Human,” which Blake described as a song with a timely message -- we’re all human. He also felt it was a song that could show Chris’ diversity as an artist. Shelton hailed the live performance as “a moment” for Kroeze.

Chevel and Kelly, or “Chavelly,” as they referred to themselves, followed with a duet on The Judds’ “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain.”

Chris and Blake returned next with their duet, Delbert McClinton’s “Two More Bottles of Wine.”

Team Blake’s Kirk Jay came “full circle,” according to Shelton, tackling Rascal Flatts’ “I Won’t Let Go” for his final performance of the night. Addressing the camera during rehearsals, Shelton declared Kirk “has a real shot at a big career,” adding that he's, “somebody we can hear on country radio tomorrow.” Adam gave kudos to Kirk for tacking a tough song, and having a voice that “stands out.” Blake called the performance “Brilliant.”

Team Kelly’s 16-year-old country singer, Chevel Shepherd, returned for her last shot at earning America’s vote, performing an original tune called “Broken Hearts.” Kelly loved the choice -- a traditional country story song, with a contemporary feel. Adam praised Chevel’s understated approach to songs. Clarkson became emotional as she hailed Shepherd as a “magical being,” adding she loved what Chevel represented not just for girls, but all women.

Team Jennifer’s Kennedy Holmes closed out the show with her cover tune, bringing down the house with Demi Lovato’s “Confident,” Jennifer said it “represents everything it takes to get this far.” Hudson called the 14-year-old “a true professional” -- for her dance moves, as well as her voice -- declaring, “I thought Beyoncé was up there.

The winner will be crowned on Tuesday night's two-hour season finale, which begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Rascal Flatts, Panic! at the Disco, Dan Shay, Dierks Bentley, Halsey, John Legend, Esperanza Spalding, Kelly Rowland, The Doobie Brothers, Marshmello and Bastille, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson, and last season's winner of The Voice, Brynn Cartelli, will be the musical guests.

Decked out in a yellow suit and transparent top, Cardi admitted getting her shot wasn't easy. "At first people didn't wanna play music on the damn radio," she vented. "A lot of these deejays was sleeping on me, you know what I'm saying? So I had to keep on making music until I find the right one that's gonna make them catch the eyes on me."

"Because you know I'm funny...I'm saying some people just think everything is a joke and it's like 'hee-hee-hee-hee.' Yeah, but I'm not laughing today. I want you to take this serious. But they wasn't. They were frontin' on the kid, yerrr?"

Cardi also explained she finds driving scary, but that doesn't stop her from owning some of the finest cars in the world, which she says are mostly for her to pose in. Corden gave her a driving lesson that didn't go well at all, until he got back behind the wheel and tried to expose a new audience to her music: an exercise class at a Los Angeles senior center.

There, the pair performed "I Like It Like That" for an elderly crowd that was particularly enthusiastic -- especially an older man named Gunter who asked the newly single star if she's looking "for a significant other."

Decked out in a yellow suit and transparent top, Cardi admitted getting her shot wasn't easy. "At first people didn't wanna play music on the damn radio," she vented. "A lot of these deejays was sleeping on me, you know what I'm saying? So I had to keep on making music until I find the right one that's gonna make them catch the eyes on me."

"Because you know I'm funny...I'm saying some people just think everything is a joke and it's like 'hee-hee-hee-hee.' Yeah, but I'm not laughing today. I want you to take this serious. But they wasn't. They were frontin' on the kid, yerrr?"

Cardi also explained she finds driving scary, but that doesn't stop her from owning some of the finest cars in the world, which she says are mostly for her to pose in. Corden gave her a driving lesson that didn't go well at all, until he got back behind the wheel and tried to expose a new audience to her music: an exercise class at a Los Angeles senior center.

There, the pair performed "I Like It Like That" for an elderly crowd that was particularly enthusiastic -- especially an older man named Gunter who asked the newly single star if she's looking "for a significant other."

Following his monologue, the Tonight Show host -- sitting at his desk -- began explaining to the audience that as much as he's enjoyed the hits of the past year, there's nothing he loves more than holiday music. Miranda suddenly jumped out from behind the curtain and interrupted Fallon with an idea, although Jimmy already knew what the Hamilton star had in mind.

"Are you saying that we should sing a medley of popular songs of 2018, but change the lyrics to make them about the holiday season?

"Yes," replied Miranda.

"Let's do it!" Fallon shot back.

The two then launched into a medley of the years biggest hits, including, Camila Cabello's "Havana," which became a song about mall Santas; Zed, Maren Morris and Grey's "The Middle," now a ditty about spinning a dreidel; Ariana Grande's "No Tears Left to Cry," a song about getting drunk on wine; and Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Blavin's "I Like It," a tribute to all the things they like about Christmas, such as chestnuts, chimneys, candy canes and "chillin' with my squad."

Following his monologue, the Tonight Show host -- sitting at his desk -- began explaining to the audience that as much as he's enjoyed the hits of the past year, there's nothing he loves more than holiday music. Miranda suddenly jumped out from behind the curtain and interrupted Fallon with an idea, although Jimmy already knew what the Hamilton star had in mind.

"Are you saying that we should sing a medley of popular songs of 2018, but change the lyrics to make them about the holiday season?

"Yes," replied Miranda.

"Let's do it!" Fallon shot back.

The two then launched into a medley of the years biggest hits, including, Camila Cabello's "Havana," which became a song about mall Santas; Zed, Maren Morris and Grey's "The Middle," now a ditty about spinning a dreidel; Ariana Grande's "No Tears Left to Cry," a song about getting drunk on wine; and Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Blavin's "I Like It," a tribute to all the things they like about Christmas, such as chestnuts, chimneys, candy canes and "chillin' with my squad."

Neal Preston/Warner Bros.It's looking more and more likely that Lady Gaga will receive at least one Oscar nomination. "Shallow," her hit duet with Bradley Cooper from A Star Is Born has just made the shortlist of contenders for the Academy Award's Best Original Song trophy.

Originally, 90 songs were deemed eligible for nomination for Best Original Song, but now members of the Academy's Music Branch have narrowed down the list to just 15. One of them is "Shallow," which was co-written by Gaga, Mark Ronson and others.

Other songs that have made the list of 15 songs include Troye Sivan's "Revelation," from the movie Boy Erased;Jennifer Hudson's "I'll Fight," from RBG; Kendrick Lamar and SZA's Black Panther collabo "All the Stars;" and Sade's "The Big Unknown," from Widows.

It's important to note that in all cases, the songwriters are the ones who'll receive the Oscar, should their composition win. If, for example, "I'll Fight" wins, Jennifer Hudson won't get the trophy -- it'll go to Diane Warren, who wrote the song. But if "Shallow" wins, Gaga would go home with the trophy, because she co-wrote it.

In addition to receiving a nod for Best Original Song, it's almost guaranteed that Gaga will be nominated for Best Actress for A Star Is Born, given that she's already up for a Golden Globe, a SAG Award and a number of other acting honors.

The nominations for the 91st Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 22. The ceremony will air Sunday, February 24 on ABC.

Neal Preston/Warner Bros.It's looking more and more likely that Lady Gaga will receive at least one Oscar nomination. "Shallow," her hit duet with Bradley Cooper from A Star Is Born has just made the shortlist of contenders for the Academy Award's Best Original Song trophy.

Originally, 90 songs were deemed eligible for nomination for Best Original Song, but now members of the Academy's Music Branch have narrowed down the list to just 15. One of them is "Shallow," which was co-written by Gaga, Mark Ronson and others.

Other songs that have made the list of 15 songs include Troye Sivan's "Revelation," from the movie Boy Erased;Jennifer Hudson's "I'll Fight," from RBG; Kendrick Lamar and SZA's Black Panther collabo "All the Stars;" and Sade's "The Big Unknown," from Widows.

It's important to note that in all cases, the songwriters are the ones who'll receive the Oscar, should their composition win. If, for example, "I'll Fight" wins, Jennifer Hudson won't get the trophy -- it'll go to Diane Warren, who wrote the song. But if "Shallow" wins, Gaga would go home with the trophy, because she co-wrote it.

In addition to receiving a nod for Best Original Song, it's almost guaranteed that Gaga will be nominated for Best Actress for A Star Is Born, given that she's already up for a Golden Globe, a SAG Award and a number of other acting honors.

The nominations for the 91st Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 22. The ceremony will air Sunday, February 24 on ABC.

]]>Ariana Grande &amp; Halsey are first two women to score the top two chart spots in more than a yearhttp://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/e24c78d89a71b40413f27f722c6aa326
Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:44:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/e24c78d89a71b40413f27f722c6aa326Dave Meyers/Republic RecordsAriana Grande and Halsey are bringing girl power to the Billboard Hot 100.

The two singers are currently holding down the #1 and #2 spots on the chart: Ariana with "thank u, next," which spends a fifth week at #1, and Halsey with "Without Me," which has risen to number two.

The last time two women held the top two spots on the chart was in September of 2017, when Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" and Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" were #1 and #2, respectively.

The last time it happened before that was all the way back in 2014, when songs by Taylor and Meghan Trainor swapped positions for 14 weeks.

As for the guys, Maroon 5's "Girls Like You" is back in the top 10 for a 27th week. Only 10 other songs in history have ever hung around in the top 10 that long.

The record's held by Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You," which spent 33 weeks in the top 10.

]]>BBMAK's first new album in 15 years will be released April 26http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/bd89fd37114d6349a0ca0f95b243160c
Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:00:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/bd89fd37114d6349a0ca0f95b243160cJono SymondsThe BBMAK comeback is in full swing.

The British boy band – Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Ste McNally – has announced that their as-yet-untitled new album will be released on April 26, 2019.

The "Back Here" trio has also launched a Pledge Music campaign, selling merchandise that includes a handwritten and signed lyric sheet for one BBMAK song of your choosing, a signed Polaroid photo of the band and a signed copy of the new album.

“We are so happy to be working with Pledge this year in support of our new record!” the band writes in a statement. “This is the first album of new material that we’ve released in fifteen years and we are incredibly excited to be back.”

They add, "The support that you have shown us throughout the years is so very appreciated, and we can’t wait to get back out on the road and to play this new music for all of you.”

The first single from the album is set to be released in February, followed by a late spring and summer North American tour.

In the meantime, the band has released a new music video for their cover of the Nat King Cole classic, “The Christmas Song.” In the clip, the three sit by a crackling fireplace with Christmas decorations behind them as they sing an acoustic version of the song.

The British boy band – Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Ste McNally – has announced that their as-yet-untitled new album will be released on April 26, 2019.

The "Back Here" trio has also launched a Pledge Music campaign, selling merchandise that includes a handwritten and signed lyric sheet for one BBMAK song of your choosing, a signed Polaroid photo of the band and a signed copy of the new album.

“We are so happy to be working with Pledge this year in support of our new record!” the band writes in a statement. “This is the first album of new material that we’ve released in fifteen years and we are incredibly excited to be back.”

They add, "The support that you have shown us throughout the years is so very appreciated, and we can’t wait to get back out on the road and to play this new music for all of you.”

The first single from the album is set to be released in February, followed by a late spring and summer North American tour.

In the meantime, the band has released a new music video for their cover of the Nat King Cole classic, “The Christmas Song.” In the clip, the three sit by a crackling fireplace with Christmas decorations behind them as they sing an acoustic version of the song.

Getty Images For dcp via ABC/Emma McIntyre/AMA2018Look what she made him do: An Ohio man has been arrested following a destructive rampage that he hoped would draw Taylor Swift's attention.

According to the Beacon Journal, 29-year-old Cody Hann was accused of driving his car onto a local airport runway, and then into the playground equipment at a park on Saturday night. After his car got stuck in the mud, he started hitting it with a metal pipe -- which is how police found him. They also found an inert hand grenade in his car.

Hann was arrested and charged with reckless operation, criminal damage and inducing panic. He told police that he's in love with Taylor, and wanted her to notice him. A day earlier, police had responded to a report that Hann had been pacing back and forth and screaming on the street. Hann told police he was yelling "I love you," and that he was in love with Taylor.

According to family members, Hann had been struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and was trying to get sober.

Getty Images For dcp via ABC/Emma McIntyre/AMA2018Look what she made him do: An Ohio man has been arrested following a destructive rampage that he hoped would draw Taylor Swift's attention.

According to the Beacon Journal, 29-year-old Cody Hann was accused of driving his car onto a local airport runway, and then into the playground equipment at a park on Saturday night. After his car got stuck in the mud, he started hitting it with a metal pipe -- which is how police found him. They also found an inert hand grenade in his car.

Hann was arrested and charged with reckless operation, criminal damage and inducing panic. He told police that he's in love with Taylor, and wanted her to notice him. A day earlier, police had responded to a report that Hann had been pacing back and forth and screaming on the street. Hann told police he was yelling "I love you," and that he was in love with Taylor.

According to family members, Hann had been struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and was trying to get sober.

FilmMagic for dcp via ABC/Jeff Kravitz/AMA2018When Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" was first released by in 1994, it wasn't eligible to appear on the Billboard Hot 100. Well, it's really making up for lost time now.

Mariah's holiday hit has just become the highest-charting Christmas song on the Hot 100 in 60 years, as it rises from number seven to number six. The last time a Christmas song ranked higher on the Hot 100 was in 1958, when "The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville hit #1.

As previously reported, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" wasn't eligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994 because it wasn't commercially available as a single, and Billboard's rules back then prohibited any such song from charting on the Hot 100. Those rules eventually changed and now, every year since 2012, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has returned to the chart. Last year, it finally broke into the top 10.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" is now also Mariah's highest-charting hit since 2008, when "Touch My Body" hit #1.

Finally, by reaching #6, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has surpassed the ranking of two other modern-era holiday songs, which both reached number seven: 2000's "Auld Lang Syne" by Kenny G and 1990's "This One's for the Children," by New Kids on the Block.

FilmMagic for dcp via ABC/Jeff Kravitz/AMA2018When Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" was first released by in 1994, it wasn't eligible to appear on the Billboard Hot 100. Well, it's really making up for lost time now.

Mariah's holiday hit has just become the highest-charting Christmas song on the Hot 100 in 60 years, as it rises from number seven to number six. The last time a Christmas song ranked higher on the Hot 100 was in 1958, when "The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville hit #1.

As previously reported, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" wasn't eligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994 because it wasn't commercially available as a single, and Billboard's rules back then prohibited any such song from charting on the Hot 100. Those rules eventually changed and now, every year since 2012, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has returned to the chart. Last year, it finally broke into the top 10.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" is now also Mariah's highest-charting hit since 2008, when "Touch My Body" hit #1.

Finally, by reaching #6, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has surpassed the ranking of two other modern-era holiday songs, which both reached number seven: 2000's "Auld Lang Syne" by Kenny G and 1990's "This One's for the Children," by New Kids on the Block.

“Swan Song” is described as an “inspiring and empowering anthem” for the film, which is produced by Avatar's James Cameron and Jon Landau and directed by Robert Rodriguez.

“I am intrigued at both Alita herself, and the amazing team of creators that came together to make this movie possible,” Dua says in a statement. “I see a little of myself in her, in both her bada** spirit and our shared haircut.”

She adds, “Alita is all about empowerment and standing up for who you are, which are two things that resonate with me.”

Dua also teases on Instagram that a music video for the song is coming soon.

Alita: Battle Angel hits theaters in the U.S. on February 14. It features Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly and Mahershala Ali.

]]>ABC/Image Group LADua Lipa has co-written a song for the upcoming motion-capture action flick, Alita: Battle Angel.

“Swan Song” is described as an “inspiring and empowering anthem” for the film, which is produced by Avatar's James Cameron and Jon Landau and directed by Robert Rodriguez.

“I am intrigued at both Alita herself, and the amazing team of creators that came together to make this movie possible,” Dua says in a statement. “I see a little of myself in her, in both her bada** spirit and our shared haircut.”

She adds, “Alita is all about empowerment and standing up for who you are, which are two things that resonate with me.”

Dua also teases on Instagram that a music video for the song is coming soon.

Alita: Battle Angel hits theaters in the U.S. on February 14. It features Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly and Mahershala Ali.

Live Nation EntertainmentShawn Mendes is going to have quite the homecoming next September.

The Grammy nominee's first stadium show in his hometown of Toronto sold out in minutes when it went on sale. The September 6 show at the Rogers Centre will wrap up the North American leg of his 2019 world tour, and it'll be a special show that features both a regular set, and an extended acoustic set.

“This really was a dream come true to play the Rogers Centre in my home town,” Shawn says in a statement. “And now to have sold it out is just incredible and something I could have only ever imagined.”

Shawn also tweeted, "Seems like I wake up everyday living something I was dreaming about just a few years ago. I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for everything. This insane. Rogers Centre. Sold out. Thank you."

The North American leg of Shawn's tour in support of his self-titled album gets underway June 12 in Portland, OR. The tour itself will feature the singer playing more than 60 shows in Europe, the U.K., Australia and North America.

Shawn also bid his fans goodbye for a while, tweeting, "Taking a bit of a break from social media the next few weeks to be with friends and family. I adore you guys with all my heart! Happy holidays x."

Live Nation EntertainmentShawn Mendes is going to have quite the homecoming next September.

The Grammy nominee's first stadium show in his hometown of Toronto sold out in minutes when it went on sale. The September 6 show at the Rogers Centre will wrap up the North American leg of his 2019 world tour, and it'll be a special show that features both a regular set, and an extended acoustic set.

“This really was a dream come true to play the Rogers Centre in my home town,” Shawn says in a statement. “And now to have sold it out is just incredible and something I could have only ever imagined.”

Shawn also tweeted, "Seems like I wake up everyday living something I was dreaming about just a few years ago. I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for everything. This insane. Rogers Centre. Sold out. Thank you."

The North American leg of Shawn's tour in support of his self-titled album gets underway June 12 in Portland, OR. The tour itself will feature the singer playing more than 60 shows in Europe, the U.K., Australia and North America.

Shawn also bid his fans goodbye for a while, tweeting, "Taking a bit of a break from social media the next few weeks to be with friends and family. I adore you guys with all my heart! Happy holidays x."

ABC NewsIf it wasn't for Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson would probably never have auditioned for American Idol, let alone become a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning pop star.

On tonight's ABC special 2018: In Memoriam, Kelly is among several stars who pay tribute to the late Queen of Soul, who died in August of pancreatic cancer. In an advance clip, Kelly explains the huge impact Aretha had on her.

"It's hard to believe, but I was actually shy when I was little -- very hard to believe, I realize!" Kelly laughs. "I had such a hard time communicating, which is actually why I started to write [songs] before I even could sing. And it was just to get my emotions out, 'cause I was afraid to let down walls because so many crappy things had happened."

But then Kelly discovered Aretha's music.

"Aretha was the one singer that kinda just reached right down in me, and then it was like, 'It's O.K. to cry, it's O.K. to be mad at something,'" Kelly explains. "I feel like she's the reason why I'm not so shy. Music really did give me that confidence and she really did stir something inside me that really broke down those barriers that I had built up as a child."

Kelly says her favorite Aretha song changes, but she reveals, "I will say the one I love to sing the most is 'I Never Loved a Man.' It's really just a killer classic, and every vocalist loves songs you can, like, wail on!"

In addition to Kelly, tonight's show will feature Aretha tributes from Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. Burt Reynolds, Barbara Bush, Senator John McCain and Stephen Hawking will also be remembered on 2018: In Memoriam, airing tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

ABC NewsIf it wasn't for Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson would probably never have auditioned for American Idol, let alone become a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning pop star.

On tonight's ABC special 2018: In Memoriam, Kelly is among several stars who pay tribute to the late Queen of Soul, who died in August of pancreatic cancer. In an advance clip, Kelly explains the huge impact Aretha had on her.

"It's hard to believe, but I was actually shy when I was little -- very hard to believe, I realize!" Kelly laughs. "I had such a hard time communicating, which is actually why I started to write [songs] before I even could sing. And it was just to get my emotions out, 'cause I was afraid to let down walls because so many crappy things had happened."

But then Kelly discovered Aretha's music.

"Aretha was the one singer that kinda just reached right down in me, and then it was like, 'It's O.K. to cry, it's O.K. to be mad at something,'" Kelly explains. "I feel like she's the reason why I'm not so shy. Music really did give me that confidence and she really did stir something inside me that really broke down those barriers that I had built up as a child."

Kelly says her favorite Aretha song changes, but she reveals, "I will say the one I love to sing the most is 'I Never Loved a Man.' It's really just a killer classic, and every vocalist loves songs you can, like, wail on!"

In addition to Kelly, tonight's show will feature Aretha tributes from Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. Burt Reynolds, Barbara Bush, Senator John McCain and Stephen Hawking will also be remembered on 2018: In Memoriam, airing tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

Rita ZimmermanMusic listeners were very curious about the Clean Bandit and Demi Lovato collaboration, “Solo,” this year. The song tops the list of the most-Shazamed songs of 2018, according to the song recognition app.

Number two on the list was “X,” by Nicky Jam and J Balvin, followed by “One Kiss” by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, which was also the most added track to a playlist worldwide after being Shazamed.

Last year’s most-Shazamed artist, Ed Sheeran, made a splash this year as well. His song “Perfect” was the fifth most-Shazamed song of the year, as well as the number-one Shazamed pop track of the year.

“Perfect” was also the longest-running number-one song in Shazam's global charts this year, reigning for nine weeks, and was the most shared song worldwide after being Shazamed.

As for the most-Shazamed artist of the year, that honor goes to Drake, with J Balvin coming in at number two.

Rita ZimmermanMusic listeners were very curious about the Clean Bandit and Demi Lovato collaboration, “Solo,” this year. The song tops the list of the most-Shazamed songs of 2018, according to the song recognition app.

Number two on the list was “X,” by Nicky Jam and J Balvin, followed by “One Kiss” by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, which was also the most added track to a playlist worldwide after being Shazamed.

Last year’s most-Shazamed artist, Ed Sheeran, made a splash this year as well. His song “Perfect” was the fifth most-Shazamed song of the year, as well as the number-one Shazamed pop track of the year.

“Perfect” was also the longest-running number-one song in Shazam's global charts this year, reigning for nine weeks, and was the most shared song worldwide after being Shazamed.

As for the most-Shazamed artist of the year, that honor goes to Drake, with J Balvin coming in at number two.

ABC/Paula LoboFor 30 years, Pollstar has been tracking tours and ticket sales -- but the publication's never seen anything like Ed Sheeran.

The singer's Divide tour grossed just over $432.4 million dollars in a calendar year, with sales of just over 4,860,000 tickets. That's the highest tour gross and most tickets sold in any year in Pollstar history.

Ed's tour isn't the highest grossing tour in history, mind you -- that would be U2's 360 tour, which took in $736 million and 7.36 million tickets. But U2's tour took over two years to reach that amount, 2009 through its 2011 end.

Not only is Ed's tour impressive for the money it earned, but it's even more impressive that his top ticket price was about $89. The average ticket price for 2018 for a top 10 tour was over $126. Not only that, but Ed also didn't sell any VIP tickets for the tour, which other artists make big bucks on.

Stuart Camp, Ed's manager, tells Pollstar, "Our adage has always been to be as democratic and fair as possible. We do meet and greets, but they’re for disadvantaged kids or contest winners; we don’t sell them, and similarly with VIP ticketing... Some kid who’s there and hasn’t got a job should have the same chances and the same access as anyone else.”

The Divide tour resumes in February and wraps up in August. By the end of 2019, Ed may have broken U2's record.

Explaining Ed's success, his booking agent tells Pollstar, "He has a work ethic like I’ve never seen. And he’s crossed the divide of great songs that are infectious and resonate. I cannot tell you how many emails I get about, ‘Can Ed play "Perfect" at my wedding?” I get 10 of those a day.”

ABC/Paula LoboFor 30 years, Pollstar has been tracking tours and ticket sales -- but the publication's never seen anything like Ed Sheeran.

The singer's Divide tour grossed just over $432.4 million dollars in a calendar year, with sales of just over 4,860,000 tickets. That's the highest tour gross and most tickets sold in any year in Pollstar history.

Ed's tour isn't the highest grossing tour in history, mind you -- that would be U2's 360 tour, which took in $736 million and 7.36 million tickets. But U2's tour took over two years to reach that amount, 2009 through its 2011 end.

Not only is Ed's tour impressive for the money it earned, but it's even more impressive that his top ticket price was about $89. The average ticket price for 2018 for a top 10 tour was over $126. Not only that, but Ed also didn't sell any VIP tickets for the tour, which other artists make big bucks on.

Stuart Camp, Ed's manager, tells Pollstar, "Our adage has always been to be as democratic and fair as possible. We do meet and greets, but they’re for disadvantaged kids or contest winners; we don’t sell them, and similarly with VIP ticketing... Some kid who’s there and hasn’t got a job should have the same chances and the same access as anyone else.”

The Divide tour resumes in February and wraps up in August. By the end of 2019, Ed may have broken U2's record.

Explaining Ed's success, his booking agent tells Pollstar, "He has a work ethic like I’ve never seen. And he’s crossed the divide of great songs that are infectious and resonate. I cannot tell you how many emails I get about, ‘Can Ed play "Perfect" at my wedding?” I get 10 of those a day.”

The artists behind the buzzy single have been ordered by Judge John A. Kronstadt to pay the family of the late, legendary "What's Going On" singer $5 million, Billboard reports. The hefty sum includes Thicke, Williams and Williams' publishing company owing a combined $2.9 million, plus an additional $1.7 million required to be paid by Thicke and some $357,631 from Williams and his More Water from Nazareth company.

As previously reported, the Gaye family sued Thicke and Williams in 2013 for copyright infringement of the soul singer's 1977 hit song "Got to Give It Up." Initially, a judge ruled that both Thicke and Williams owed Gaye's estate $7 million, but following an appeal the judgment was decreased.

Moving forward, the Gaye family is entitled to a running royalty of half the "Blurred Lines" songwriter and publishing revenue.

The artists behind the buzzy single have been ordered by Judge John A. Kronstadt to pay the family of the late, legendary "What's Going On" singer $5 million, Billboard reports. The hefty sum includes Thicke, Williams and Williams' publishing company owing a combined $2.9 million, plus an additional $1.7 million required to be paid by Thicke and some $357,631 from Williams and his More Water from Nazareth company.

As previously reported, the Gaye family sued Thicke and Williams in 2013 for copyright infringement of the soul singer's 1977 hit song "Got to Give It Up." Initially, a judge ruled that both Thicke and Williams owed Gaye's estate $7 million, but following an appeal the judgment was decreased.

Moving forward, the Gaye family is entitled to a running royalty of half the "Blurred Lines" songwriter and publishing revenue.

ABC/Randy HolmesMaroon 5's had a busy year, with a #1 hit, a tour and a Grammy nomination. But as Christmas approaches and the guys get ready to take some time off, Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine says he, Adam Levine and the other five guys in the group won't be exchanging any gifts.

"Yeah, we don't really 'do' Christmas gifts," James tells ABC Radio. "I recently turned 40 and I got some gifts from the guys -- but only because it was my 40th!"

"Y'know, we spend so much time together, and we give each other gifts all the time," he explains. "Like if we see something, we'll just get it, y'know? It doesn't really have to be tied to a birthday or a holiday or anything."

But that doesn't mean that James doesn't have to do any Christmas shopping. There's still his family to think of, and his family is, well...really big.

"I usually spend [Christmas]...with my parents in Highland, Utah, and it's great because I've got 13 nieces and nephews," he says. "So we all get together and do a little snowboarding, which isn't bad."

But with 13 nieces and nephews, James can't show up for Christmas empty-handed, which means a lot of shopping.

"Oh yeah, I have to start pretty early," he laughs. "And I have to make lists, because there's just so many of them!"

Meanwhile, Christmas for Adam Levine will likely be pretty special this year: It'll be his youngest daughter Gio Grace's first one ever.

ABC/Randy HolmesMaroon 5's had a busy year, with a #1 hit, a tour and a Grammy nomination. But as Christmas approaches and the guys get ready to take some time off, Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine says he, Adam Levine and the other five guys in the group won't be exchanging any gifts.

"Yeah, we don't really 'do' Christmas gifts," James tells ABC Radio. "I recently turned 40 and I got some gifts from the guys -- but only because it was my 40th!"

"Y'know, we spend so much time together, and we give each other gifts all the time," he explains. "Like if we see something, we'll just get it, y'know? It doesn't really have to be tied to a birthday or a holiday or anything."

But that doesn't mean that James doesn't have to do any Christmas shopping. There's still his family to think of, and his family is, well...really big.

"I usually spend [Christmas]...with my parents in Highland, Utah, and it's great because I've got 13 nieces and nephews," he says. "So we all get together and do a little snowboarding, which isn't bad."

But with 13 nieces and nephews, James can't show up for Christmas empty-handed, which means a lot of shopping.

"Oh yeah, I have to start pretty early," he laughs. "And I have to make lists, because there's just so many of them!"

Meanwhile, Christmas for Adam Levine will likely be pretty special this year: It'll be his youngest daughter Gio Grace's first one ever.

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua98 Degrees is currently on a Christmas tour, singing music from their two holiday albums, This Christmas and Let It Snow. But the boy band draws the line at what many believe to be the highlight of Christmas festivities: presents. Well...at least for each other.

"We're a bunch of guys that like to drink beer and watch sports, so it's hard to buy for us," 98 Degrees' Jeff Timmons tells ABC Radio. "And we all have everything material-wise that we need. Y'know, we don't need anything."

In fact, Jeff says for him, Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre, simply being in each other's presence on their current tour is all the gift they need.

"We spent so many years in the grind during the holiday seasons working, with the business side of music kinda getting in the way of us having fun, that we're really just enjoying each other's company," Jeff explains. "So it sounds like I'm cheaping out on these guys, but we don't really need to buy anything for each other!"

When it comes to buying holiday gifts for his three kids and two stepchildren, however, Jeff says he has to be restrained from going all out.

"I don't stop myself from spoiling my kids; my wife, however, kinda puts the kibosh on all that stuff," he laughs.

"I mean, my whole thing growing up was wanting to have a big family with lots of kids, and [I] was fortunate to do that, so it's hard for me not to spoil 'em, I love 'em so much," he continues.

"I'm looking forward to getting home with them at the end of this tour. I'll be home on the 22nd, so I get home just in time for Christmas."

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua98 Degrees is currently on a Christmas tour, singing music from their two holiday albums, This Christmas and Let It Snow. But the boy band draws the line at what many believe to be the highlight of Christmas festivities: presents. Well...at least for each other.

"We're a bunch of guys that like to drink beer and watch sports, so it's hard to buy for us," 98 Degrees' Jeff Timmons tells ABC Radio. "And we all have everything material-wise that we need. Y'know, we don't need anything."

In fact, Jeff says for him, Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre, simply being in each other's presence on their current tour is all the gift they need.

"We spent so many years in the grind during the holiday seasons working, with the business side of music kinda getting in the way of us having fun, that we're really just enjoying each other's company," Jeff explains. "So it sounds like I'm cheaping out on these guys, but we don't really need to buy anything for each other!"

When it comes to buying holiday gifts for his three kids and two stepchildren, however, Jeff says he has to be restrained from going all out.

"I don't stop myself from spoiling my kids; my wife, however, kinda puts the kibosh on all that stuff," he laughs.

"I mean, my whole thing growing up was wanting to have a big family with lots of kids, and [I] was fortunate to do that, so it's hard for me not to spoil 'em, I love 'em so much," he continues.

"I'm looking forward to getting home with them at the end of this tour. I'll be home on the 22nd, so I get home just in time for Christmas."

]]>Pete Davidson hugs pal Machine Gun Kelly after "Saturday Night Live"http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/71eeab7e3541382b586cdb69daa9af80
Sun, 16 Dec 2018 12:35:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/71eeab7e3541382b586cdb69daa9af80Rosalind O'Connor/NBCAfter Pete Davidson posted a disturbing note on Instagram Saturday saying he didn't "want to be on this earth anymore," his friend, rapper and actor Machine Gun Kelly, tweeted that he was getting on a plane headed to New York City to support Davidson. Well, he made good on his word.

"im in the plane now on the way to see Pete. gonna make sure he’s good, i promise. can’t have my boy in the darkness like that," Kelly tweeted. The two men became friends this past summer after they filmed a movie together called Big Time Adolescence.

E! Online reports that after Saturday Night Live last night, Davidson and Kelly were seen together driving in an SUV. When Davidson dropped Kelly off, they exchanged a hug before Davidson continued on.

Police performed a "wellness check" on Davidson on Saturday before the show aired, and he was said to be "fine." His former fiancee Ariana Grandetweeted and then deleted a message to Davidson, saying she was downstairs at the SNL studios if he needed her.

On Saturday night, a smiling Davidson was seen briefly on SNL, introducingMiley Cyrus and Mark Ronson's second musical performance. He didn't appear in any other sketches, though he had a part in a pre-taped segment.

]]>Rosalind O'Connor/NBCAfter Pete Davidson posted a disturbing note on Instagram Saturday saying he didn't "want to be on this earth anymore," his friend, rapper and actor Machine Gun Kelly, tweeted that he was getting on a plane headed to New York City to support Davidson. Well, he made good on his word.

"im in the plane now on the way to see Pete. gonna make sure he’s good, i promise. can’t have my boy in the darkness like that," Kelly tweeted. The two men became friends this past summer after they filmed a movie together called Big Time Adolescence.

E! Online reports that after Saturday Night Live last night, Davidson and Kelly were seen together driving in an SUV. When Davidson dropped Kelly off, they exchanged a hug before Davidson continued on.

Police performed a "wellness check" on Davidson on Saturday before the show aired, and he was said to be "fine." His former fiancee Ariana Grandetweeted and then deleted a message to Davidson, saying she was downstairs at the SNL studios if he needed her.

On Saturday night, a smiling Davidson was seen briefly on SNL, introducingMiley Cyrus and Mark Ronson's second musical performance. He didn't appear in any other sketches, though he had a part in a pre-taped segment.

ABC/Eric McCandlessEarlier this year, Weezer scored a huge hit with their version of Toto's 1982 soft-rock classic "Africa." Now Pitbull is trying his hand at the same song.

Pitbull's version is actually called "Ocean to Ocean," and it appears on the soundtrack of the upcoming superhero flick Aquaman. However, the pre-chorus and chorus, performed by a singer named Rhea, are identical to those of Toto's original hit.

In the movie, the song plays during a scene where Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, crosses the Sahara Desert. Which is -- y'know -- in Africa.

"They tried to get rid of me/But from ocean to ocean/They are gonna have to deal with me," Pitbull raps. "From ocean to ocean, sea to sea/I'm something that you gotta see."

In a statement to People magazine, Pitbull explains why his version of the tune is called "Ocean to Ocean."

"The ocean, the sea and any body of water, to me, is true freedom," says Mr. Worldwide. "The ocean has always been the border from where my parents came from Cuba and the United States, which gives us freedom. That’s why I respect water. Bottom line: water gives us freedom.”

ABC/Eric McCandlessEarlier this year, Weezer scored a huge hit with their version of Toto's 1982 soft-rock classic "Africa." Now Pitbull is trying his hand at the same song.

Pitbull's version is actually called "Ocean to Ocean," and it appears on the soundtrack of the upcoming superhero flick Aquaman. However, the pre-chorus and chorus, performed by a singer named Rhea, are identical to those of Toto's original hit.

In the movie, the song plays during a scene where Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, crosses the Sahara Desert. Which is -- y'know -- in Africa.

"They tried to get rid of me/But from ocean to ocean/They are gonna have to deal with me," Pitbull raps. "From ocean to ocean, sea to sea/I'm something that you gotta see."

In a statement to People magazine, Pitbull explains why his version of the tune is called "Ocean to Ocean."

"The ocean, the sea and any body of water, to me, is true freedom," says Mr. Worldwide. "The ocean has always been the border from where my parents came from Cuba and the United States, which gives us freedom. That’s why I respect water. Bottom line: water gives us freedom.”

Greg WilliamsEd Sheeran has designed a limited-edition t-shirt to raise funds for a campaign to help a program in Nairobi, Kenya, that encourages young men to test themselves for HIV.

Kenya's population has the fourth largest percentage of HIV/AIDS-infected people in the world. Many aren't aware that they're HIV-positive. The program, sponsored by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, is called "Chukua Selfie," and it encourages young people to seek treatment and help stop the spread of the virus.

In a statement to the U.K. paper The Independent, Ed says, "I’m completely behind the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s goal to end the AIDS epidemic once and for all."

"To do this, I firmly believe we need to make young men part of our efforts, not only to bring them into consciousness about their own risk and vulnerability to HIV, but also to empower them to protect the women around them,” he adds.

The t-shirt features an image of Ed onstage, raising his guitar above his head. It says "Ed Sheeran #ChukuaSelfie." Available at Represent.com, they cost $26 bucks but are only available through December 21.

Greg WilliamsEd Sheeran has designed a limited-edition t-shirt to raise funds for a campaign to help a program in Nairobi, Kenya, that encourages young men to test themselves for HIV.

Kenya's population has the fourth largest percentage of HIV/AIDS-infected people in the world. Many aren't aware that they're HIV-positive. The program, sponsored by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, is called "Chukua Selfie," and it encourages young people to seek treatment and help stop the spread of the virus.

In a statement to the U.K. paper The Independent, Ed says, "I’m completely behind the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s goal to end the AIDS epidemic once and for all."

"To do this, I firmly believe we need to make young men part of our efforts, not only to bring them into consciousness about their own risk and vulnerability to HIV, but also to empower them to protect the women around them,” he adds.

The t-shirt features an image of Ed onstage, raising his guitar above his head. It says "Ed Sheeran #ChukuaSelfie." Available at Represent.com, they cost $26 bucks but are only available through December 21.

“I definitely want to be a father someday,” he tells Spotify’s The Rewind with Guy Raz. “I think that’s a real dream.”

He says that finding fame at a young age with the Jonas Brothers has helped prepare him for parenthood in certain ways.

“I think I’ve had to grow up pretty quick. With that, you could look at it two ways,” he explains. “You could say that was unfair or you could say it’s given me some real perspective at an early age and I’ve seen a lot of life at an early age, and I hope to be able to share that with a kid of my own someday.”

Nick and Priyanka married the first weekend in December with two extravagant ceremonies in India.

Prior to their wedding, a source told Us Weekly, “[They] keep talking about starting a family together. They have amazing chemistry and can’t wait to have kids.”

“I definitely want to be a father someday,” he tells Spotify’s The Rewind with Guy Raz. “I think that’s a real dream.”

He says that finding fame at a young age with the Jonas Brothers has helped prepare him for parenthood in certain ways.

“I think I’ve had to grow up pretty quick. With that, you could look at it two ways,” he explains. “You could say that was unfair or you could say it’s given me some real perspective at an early age and I’ve seen a lot of life at an early age, and I hope to be able to share that with a kid of my own someday.”

Nick and Priyanka married the first weekend in December with two extravagant ceremonies in India.

Prior to their wedding, a source told Us Weekly, “[They] keep talking about starting a family together. They have amazing chemistry and can’t wait to have kids.”

]]>Lady Gaga reacts to SAG Awards noms, adds more Vegas residency performanceshttp://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/1665f0e7687c7380ea5d379bca5014d6
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:54:00 -0600http://mixx993.com/abc-music-news/1665f0e7687c7380ea5d379bca5014d6Peter LindberghThe nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced earlier this week, but Lady Gaga is just getting around to acknowledging them on Twitter.

Gaga and her A Star Is Born colleagues Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliott were all nominated for individual SAG acting honors, while all the actors were collectively nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. A Star Is Born was the leading nominee in the movie category, in fact.

Now, Gaga writes on Twitter, "I'm so honored to be recognized by SAG as an actress alongside Bradley and Sam Elliot, and above all completely emotional to be recognized as an ensemble. A real family was built with this cast and I am so grateful. Thank you so very much for these nominations what a gift."

In other Gaga news, her Las Vegas residency show at the Park Theater at the Park MGM resort in Las Vegas gets underway December 28, and she's just added additional shows.

As previously reported, the residency is made up of two parts: Lady Gaga Enigma, featuring her pop hits, and Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano, featuring stripped-down versions of her hits and her renditions of standards from the Great American Songbook.

Initially, Gaga had announced just four Jazz & Piano shows, but five more have just been added: June 15 October 20 and 26, and November 3 and 9. Those are on sale now.

]]>Peter LindberghThe nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced earlier this week, but Lady Gaga is just getting around to acknowledging them on Twitter.

Gaga and her A Star Is Born colleagues Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliott were all nominated for individual SAG acting honors, while all the actors were collectively nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. A Star Is Born was the leading nominee in the movie category, in fact.

Now, Gaga writes on Twitter, "I'm so honored to be recognized by SAG as an actress alongside Bradley and Sam Elliot, and above all completely emotional to be recognized as an ensemble. A real family was built with this cast and I am so grateful. Thank you so very much for these nominations what a gift."

In other Gaga news, her Las Vegas residency show at the Park Theater at the Park MGM resort in Las Vegas gets underway December 28, and she's just added additional shows.

As previously reported, the residency is made up of two parts: Lady Gaga Enigma, featuring her pop hits, and Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano, featuring stripped-down versions of her hits and her renditions of standards from the Great American Songbook.

Initially, Gaga had announced just four Jazz & Piano shows, but five more have just been added: June 15 October 20 and 26, and November 3 and 9. Those are on sale now.

The singer has announced a new album of lullabies, dedicated to her 10-month-old baby girl, Carmella. The album, Songs for Carmella: Lullabies & Sing-a-Longs, will be released on Carmella’s first birthday, January 17.

“Putting out new songs that I sang to her all year feels so authentic and genuine as to where I’m at in my real life,” Christina tells People. “I am a huge fan of when people are authentic of where people are at.”

She adds, “I just didn’t want to jump into a new project that wasn’t related to how amazing my life is right now due to my daughter. That’s the biggest and best thing that’s ever happened to me, so I didn’t want to pretend that didn’t happen.”

The singer has announced a new album of lullabies, dedicated to her 10-month-old baby girl, Carmella. The album, Songs for Carmella: Lullabies & Sing-a-Longs, will be released on Carmella’s first birthday, January 17.

“Putting out new songs that I sang to her all year feels so authentic and genuine as to where I’m at in my real life,” Christina tells People. “I am a huge fan of when people are authentic of where people are at.”

She adds, “I just didn’t want to jump into a new project that wasn’t related to how amazing my life is right now due to my daughter. That’s the biggest and best thing that’s ever happened to me, so I didn’t want to pretend that didn’t happen.”

The album features a whopping 27 tracks, because it's designed as a double album that's "a dichotomy between the light and the dark."

The album was also inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus, a boy whose father, Daedalus, crafted wings for him out of feathers and wax. But Icarus ignored his father's advice and flew too close to the sun; the wax melted, his wings fell apart and he plunged to his death. Good times.

The first disc, Icarus, features "joyous, anthemic" tracks, such as the previously released songs "There You Are" and "Let Me."

The second disc, Falls, includes darker about "the vices of humankind" and "its struggles." That's where you can find previously released tracks "Entertainer, "Sour Diesel," "Too Much," "Rainberry," "Fingers" and "No Candle No Light," featuring Nicki Minaj.

There's no word on whether Zayn will tour to promote the album. Previously, he didn't due to anxiety issues.

]]>RCA RecordsMore than three years and countless singles after the release of his #1 debut album, Mind of Mine, Zayn has finally dropped his sophomore release, Icarus Falls.

The album features a whopping 27 tracks, because it's designed as a double album that's "a dichotomy between the light and the dark."

The album was also inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus, a boy whose father, Daedalus, crafted wings for him out of feathers and wax. But Icarus ignored his father's advice and flew too close to the sun; the wax melted, his wings fell apart and he plunged to his death. Good times.

The first disc, Icarus, features "joyous, anthemic" tracks, such as the previously released songs "There You Are" and "Let Me."

The second disc, Falls, includes darker about "the vices of humankind" and "its struggles." That's where you can find previously released tracks "Entertainer, "Sour Diesel," "Too Much," "Rainberry," "Fingers" and "No Candle No Light," featuring Nicki Minaj.

There's no word on whether Zayn will tour to promote the album. Previously, he didn't due to anxiety issues.

Republic RecordsFollowing the smash success of "thank u, next," Ariana Grande has released the second taste of her upcoming album: a song called "Imagine," and its accompanying lyric video.

Last month, Ariana tweeted that the song is about "a simple, beautiful love that is now (and forever) unattainable," and said earlier this week that it's about "denial." In the song, Ariana describes what appears to be a perfect relationship, and then admits it's all a fantasy.

"Knew you were perfect after the first kiss/Took a deep breath like, "Ooh"/Feels like forever, baby, I never thought that it would be you," Ariana sings.

Then she adds, "Imagine a world like that/Imagine a world like that/We go like up 'til I'm 'sleep on your chest/Love how my face fits so good in your neck/Why can't you imagine a world like that?"

So far, we don't have a release date for Ari's new album, though she's said it will arrive before the end of the year. Since there aren't many weeks left in the year, it may wind up coming out in early 2019.

Republic RecordsFollowing the smash success of "thank u, next," Ariana Grande has released the second taste of her upcoming album: a song called "Imagine," and its accompanying lyric video.

Last month, Ariana tweeted that the song is about "a simple, beautiful love that is now (and forever) unattainable," and said earlier this week that it's about "denial." In the song, Ariana describes what appears to be a perfect relationship, and then admits it's all a fantasy.

"Knew you were perfect after the first kiss/Took a deep breath like, "Ooh"/Feels like forever, baby, I never thought that it would be you," Ariana sings.

Then she adds, "Imagine a world like that/Imagine a world like that/We go like up 'til I'm 'sleep on your chest/Love how my face fits so good in your neck/Why can't you imagine a world like that?"

So far, we don't have a release date for Ari's new album, though she's said it will arrive before the end of the year. Since there aren't many weeks left in the year, it may wind up coming out in early 2019.

Miley told host Jimmy Fallon the nearly 50-year-old song is just as timely today.

"We wanted to do a Christmas song," she explained, "and I don't think anything [speak louder to] what's going on right now than about you know, 'War Is Over.'"

Adds Cyrus, "I've always loved John and Yoko. I'm such a big Yoko fan, and so, it's been amazing to work with [Sean]."

In addition to his famous pedigree, Miley said Sean's voice "is just so special," adding, "I think, more than just inheriting the voice or you know, the way he looks...it's about the magic that you know, he has and I think that is what he's inherited more than anything."

Miley also announced the three of them will perform the song on this weekend's Saturday Night Live, when she and Ronson will be the music guests.

Miley, who lost her Malibu home in last month's California wildfires, told Fallon that she came out of the experience with something even more valuable.

"When you remember things that you loved and lost, whether it's photos or old Elvis [Presley] records or something my dad's given me, it doesn't make it easier, she said, but being able to go back and rebuild this together, you know, be stronger together...it's given a really beautiful light at the end of something pretty dark."

Cyrus also joined Fallon for a “Name That Song Challenge,” where they competed to try to guess random songs Tonight Show house band The Roots were playing, one instrument at a time.

]]>Andrew Lipovsky/NBCMiley Cyrus used her appearance on Thursday's Tonight Show to announce the release of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," a remake of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1971 single, featuring Mark Ronson and John and Yoko's son, Sean Ono Lennon.

Miley told host Jimmy Fallon the nearly 50-year-old song is just as timely today.

"We wanted to do a Christmas song," she explained, "and I don't think anything [speak louder to] what's going on right now than about you know, 'War Is Over.'"

Adds Cyrus, "I've always loved John and Yoko. I'm such a big Yoko fan, and so, it's been amazing to work with [Sean]."

In addition to his famous pedigree, Miley said Sean's voice "is just so special," adding, "I think, more than just inheriting the voice or you know, the way he looks...it's about the magic that you know, he has and I think that is what he's inherited more than anything."

Miley also announced the three of them will perform the song on this weekend's Saturday Night Live, when she and Ronson will be the music guests.

Miley, who lost her Malibu home in last month's California wildfires, told Fallon that she came out of the experience with something even more valuable.

"When you remember things that you loved and lost, whether it's photos or old Elvis [Presley] records or something my dad's given me, it doesn't make it easier, she said, but being able to go back and rebuild this together, you know, be stronger together...it's given a really beautiful light at the end of something pretty dark."

Cyrus also joined Fallon for a “Name That Song Challenge,” where they competed to try to guess random songs Tonight Show house band The Roots were playing, one instrument at a time.